Buffalo Island Central Students were honored at an awards ceremony presented by the Jonesboro Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). Students in Jill Sanders' social studies classroom from BIC East Elementary participated in the DAR History Essay Contest, and 11 students in the fifth and sixth grade received awards. This year students were asked to write about the forgotten patriots who supported the American struggle for Independence.

Haleigh Jackson's essay was the overall winner for the fifth grade. Her essay was sent to the state contest and was selected as the Arkansas DAR Society State Winner as well. Haleigh received a certificate, a medal, and a cash award of $25. She will also be recognized at the Arkansas State DAR Conference March 16 in Little Rock.

Other winners from BIC East Elementary were recognized for outstanding essays. In the fifth grade, Brody McFall and Erica Hurst tied for second place. Amanda Staley received a third place award, and Payton Spencer received an honorable mention award. In the sixth grade, Katie Fletcher and Kyle Thrasher tied for second place. Hallie Brown placed third, and Breanna Wilder, Rhett Healey, and Jasmine Terry received honorable mention awards.

Clay Turner received the DAR Good Citizen Award

Clay Turner received the 2013 DAR Good Citizen award for Buffalo Island Central. The DAR good citizen program is intended to encourage and reward the qualities of good citizenship.

The awards ceremony was held Tuesday, Feb. 26, at the First Baptist Church fellowship hall in Jonesboro.